As my landlord said when my partner and I asked if we could get a cat, home just doesn’t feel like home when there’s not a little animal running around. Whether it’s a dog, a bunny, a lizard or a fish, coming home to a creature who you have to take care of can make life feel so much more special.

That’s why one person was thrilled to welcome a betta fish into their home. But when they realized that their aunt had taken it upon herself to sabotage the fish’s tank, they decided it was time to get revenge. Below, you’ll find the full story that this fish owner recently posted on Reddit, as well as a conversation with them and some of the replies invested readers shared.

This person was devastated to come home and find that their aunt had removed their fish from its proper tank

Image credits: Bendy4848

So they decided to teach her a lesson by destroying something that she loved

Image credits: cottonbro studio (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Bendy4848

Readers shared mixed opinions on the situation, as well as suggestions for what to do next

Later, the fish owner shared an update detailing how their aunt responded to the revenge

Image credits: Karolina Grabowska (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Queenmoonlite35 (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Bendy4848

Freshwater fish are the third most popular pets in the United States

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To learn more about this specific situation, we reached out to the Reddit user who shared this story, Bendy4848, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda. When asked what inspired them to tell this story, they shared, “I wanted people to know what happened/give me advice on it.”

But unfortunately, their aunt has never apologized for killing the beloved fish, and the OP’s uncle has “been awfully quiet about this.” We also wanted to know if Bendy4848 has always had such a tumultuous relationship with their aunt. “It hasn’t always been rough,” they shared. “There were some times when we got along.”

The OP also noted that they have plans to get another fish, but not for at least another 6 weeks, so they have time to get everything set up. Finally, we asked how they felt about the replies to their post. “I feel like I received some genuine advice,” they shared. “I enjoyed reading through them (even the negative ones).”

While many people choose to have dogs and cats as pets because they’re cuddly, friendly and more emotional than fish, reptiles and birds, they are certainly a lot of work. I have personally only had dogs and cats in my lifetime, but I can say without a doubt that dogs are high maintenance. They require multiple walks a day, lots of trips outside to go potty, and they can’t be left alone for more than a few hours. But even my cat demands a lot of my attention because he loves being around people, always wants to play fetch and has quite the large appetite!   

So if you’re looking for a low maintenance pet that will still provide you with a bit of entertainment and companionship, a fish might be the perfect solution. According to Forbes, freshwater fish are the third most popular pets in the United States, after dogs and cats. Over 11.1 million households are homes to fish, and among the most popular types of fish to own are guppies, bettas, neon tetras, goldfish and more.

These fish are some of the most accessible breeds when it comes to costs and how easy they are to take care of. As long as you have a proper tank, appropriate food and keep the tank clean and in tip top shape, you should have no problems keeping these little fishy friends swimming around for a few years. A betta fish, in particular, has a lifespan of between two to three years.

Betta fish are a beloved breed due to their beautiful appearance

The person who shared this story noted that their beloved fish was a betta, also known as a Siamese Fighting Fish. These are a popular breed to own because of their beautiful appearance and the fact that they can be kept alone. But even though they should be easy to care for, it’s still important for any pet owner to do their research before welcoming a new fish into their home.

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BeChewy notes on their site that, when it comes to keeping bettas happy and healthy, owners will need to have a large tank, with a minimum of 5 gallons of water. The fish are small, but they need space to roam around and will be much happier in large tanks. As for decor in the tank, owners should be careful to avoid anything sharp that might be able to snag or tear the fish’s fins, as well as anything that can rust or leave chips of paint floating in the tank.

Because bettas are native to Thailand, they require warm water between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (or 24-26 degrees Celsius). This means tanks will require a heater, as well as equipment to ensure the water has a neutral pH level. Owners should have test strips and materials on hand at all times to track the pH level, the nitrite and nitrate, the carbonate and the hardness of their betta’s water. 

As long as the fish has an appropriate home, a betta can live a healthy life for several years

We all know a healthy diet is key to living a healthy life, and it’s no different for betta fish. BeChewy notes that there are a variety of options available for feeding bettas, so it’s up to the owner to decide what’s best depending on their budget. Bettas can chow down on pellets, frozen whole foods, freeze-dried foods or live food. But it’s recommended to avoid fish flakes, because the fish might mistake them for debris floating in the water and avoid them.

The most important thing when having a pet fish is, of course, to keep that little guy swimming for as long as you possibly can. So it’s wise to know the most common ways bettas die to be aware of the risks and find a way to prevent them if possible. PetHelpful notes that poor water conditions, low water temperatures, overfeeding, harassment by tank mates, stress and issues such as illnesses are the most common ways for bettas’ lives to end. 

It’s also well known that two male betta fish cannot be in the same tank together, as they will become territorial and “attack each other mercilessly,” Columbia Magazine notes. But as long as the fish has a proper home, and the owner’s aunt doesn’t decide to place the fish in freezing cold water for no reason, they should be perfectly fine.

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We would love to hear your thoughts on this story in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this revenge was fair? Then, if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article featuring petty revenge, look no further than right here!

Readers were quick to reply, and the owner joined in on the conversation

Readers continued sharing their thoughts and warned the owner that their aunt might plan to retaliate

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